Singapore's oldest Hindu temple under probe for mismanagement of funds

The 182-year-old Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple at Serangoon Road is currently being investigated for suspected offences, which volunteers and worshippers claim are related to the “mismanagement of a substantial amount of funds.”

The Commissioner of Charities (COC) issued a statement on August 22, stating that the review was triggered after receiving feedback on the management of SVT

The review identified certain areas of concern with regard to governance and administration, which warrant conducting an inquiry.

Photo courtesy: roots.sg

However, the temple can continue with its operations and daily services. The COC, with the assistance of the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB), will put in place measures to ensure that SVT is properly managed and its religious activities will not be affected during the period of inquiry.

The COC told Todayonline that given that investigations are still in progress, it would be premature to comment on its inquiry or the possible actions it may take. However, the temple has currently been required to "provide periodic reporting for close monitoring of its management and finances.”

The HEB was informed of the case on Tuesday, according to HEB chief executive officer Raja Segar. He added that the board will help to run the temple’s operations in the interim. “But how are we going to do that exactly has not been clearly spelt out. It is just a general request (from the COC) for assistance to ensure that ...the temple operations run well, together with the current board of the temple,” Segar told Todayonline.

Author

Kareyst Lin – Senior Writer

Kareyst has experience in writing about B2B technology for Computerworld Singapore, MIS Asia and CIO Asia; and on government technology for GCIO Asia. Her pet areas are artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and smart cities - these are fueled by her obsession with sci-fi movies and philosophy of mind. An active Yoga practitioner and cat lover, with a background in Indian philosophy, subaltern and diaspora studies.